Machine for sealing cartons and the like



Oct. 12, 1954 P. e. SCHLEMMER MACHINE FOR SEALING CARTONS AND THE LIKE 7Sheeis-Sheet 1 Filed April 24, 1951 INVENTOR. PH/yP 6. SC: MME/Q A TTORNE Y3 Oct. 12, 1954 p, SCHLEMMER 2,691,260

MACHINE FOR SEALING CARTONS AND THE LIKE A TTOR NE Y Oct. 12, 1954 P. G.SCHLEMMER MACHINE FOR SEALING CARTONS AND THE LIKE Filed April 24, 19517 Sheets-Sheet 4 A TTORNE Y5 Oct. 12, 1954 P. G. SCHLEMMER 2,691,260

MACHINE FOR SEALING CARTONS AND THE LIKE Filed April 24, 1951 7Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. A P/l/L/P G. $CHLEMMEK BY ds m RNEYS Oct. 12,1954 P. G. SCHLEMMER 2,691,260

MACHINE FOR SEALING CARTONS AND THE LIKE Filed April 24, 1951 7Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. P/I/LIP G. -ScHLEMMR A TTOR NE Y5 Oct. 12,1954' Filed April P. G. SCHLEMMER MACHINE FOR SEALING CARTONS AND THELIKE '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 ATTORNEYS Patented Oct. 12, 1954 MACHINE FORSEALING CARTONS AND THE LIKE Philip G. Schlemmer, Nanuet, N. Y.Application April 24, 1951, Serial No. 222,548

19 Claims.

This invention relates to a new and improved machine for folding andsealing the flaps of cartons, such as the conventional corrugatedcardboard cartons or cases It is an object of the invention to provide asealing machine of the type described having a platform at the front endupon which an open 7 empty carton may be placed for loading or fillingwith merchandise. After the filling of the-carton, the machine is putinto operation, the carton is automatically advanced along the platformand guided into association with means for applying adhesive to thecarton flaps. The carton is then guided past folding means which foldthe adhesive-treated carton flaps to close the carton, and the carton isthen moved between rows of rollers which firmly compress the flaps.

Another object of the invention is the provi-v sion of a sealing machineof the type described in which the machine is automatically shut offwhen the carton is moved between the rollers, and the carton is notadvanced between the rollers until the operator loads another carton andsets the machine in operation. Thus each carton is retained undercompression until the adhesive has dried sufficiently to seal the cartonflaps securely.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent in thecourse of the following specification when taken in connection with thaccompanying drawings in which:-

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the entire machine; Fig. 2 is'an enlargeddetailed side elevation of the loading portion of the machine with partsthereof shown broken away and in section;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged detailed side elevation of Fig. '7 is an enlarged,detailed, perspective view of one of the gluing units of the machine;

Fig. 8 is an exploded view of a portion of the gluing unit shown in Fig.7;

Fig. 9 is a vertical section taken along line 9 9 of Fig. 7;

2 Fig. 10 is a horizontal section taken along line Ill-Ill of Fig. 7;

Figs. 11 to 15 are partial perspective views showing the progressive andsuccessive operational treatment of a carton as it moves through themachine; and

Figs. 16-18 are schematic views showing the manner in which the cartonsmoving through the machine control the motors which operate the machine.

The machine comprises a pair of spaced side frames or plates Ill and IIwhich extend substantially the entire length of the machine and arealined with each other. Pairs of vertical support members are secured tothe side frames It! and l I, these support'members serving as legs uponwhich the machine stands. As shown in Fig. 1, the machine has respectivefront, rear, and central pairs of upright support members I2, I3, andI4. The pairs of support members I3 and I4 extend vertically asubstantial distance above the side frames II] and I I.

As shown in Fig. 2, the side frames IE1 and II may be channel-shaped,having lateral flanges on their top and bottom ends. The support membersI2, I3 and It may be in the shape of channel bars.

The top ends of the rear support members I3 are connected by atransverse bar I5, and the top ends of the central support members I4are similarly connected by a transverse-bar It. The side plates Ill andII are rigidly connectedin their spaced relationship by a transversechannel bar If! and a rod I8. The respective rear and central uprightsI3 and It on each side of the machine are connected bylongitudinally-disposed channel bars I9, which in turn are connected bya pair of spaced transverse channel bars 2c which support a motor M2 anda pair of transverse bars H which support a motor M1.

-The machine has two distinct sections which are independently andautomatically operable.

These sections meet approximately at the center of themachine, so thatthe machine is operatively divided roughly in half.v The front half ofthe .machineincludes a section for loading cartons,.applying glue to theflaps. thereof, and folding the flaps. The rear half of the machineincludes a section for compressing the folded cartons until theyareproperly sealed, and for discharging the cartonsfrom the machine.

Referring to Figs, 2, 4, and. 5, in which the front loading and sealingsection is shown in detail, it will be seen that a fiat horizontal plat-I form 22 such as a wooden board or metal plate is rigidly and immovablymounted centrally between the side frames l6 and N. This platform 22serves to support a carton C which is placed thereon with its bottomside flaps depending as shown in Figs. and 11, the carton C slidingrearwardly on said platform during the gluing operation. To enablecartons of various sizes to be placed thereon with the side flapsdepending, the platform 22. is made narrow enough to accommodatestandard cartons of small size.

The platform 22 has a pair of depending support legs 23 and 24 rigidlysecured thereto. Said"- support legs 23 and 24 are connected-by a pairof longitudinally-extending bars 25 which, are fixed to the oppositesides of said support legs. The support leg 23 extends below the bars2-5-and is held fixed in the machine framehy transverse rod l8 whichconnects the side frames l0 and l. The rear ends of bars 25 rest uponthe trans verse channel bar I! of the machine frame.

The rear:transverseaedgeof the pla fo m; 22 is tapered, as indicated at22a in Fig; 4 to; enable. the. bottom, side flaps of a carton to befolded upwardly as the cartonis moved beyondthe-platform-221.. Aplatiorm extension; p ate .26. is. mounted beneath the tapered platformlendi 22a. to; support the carton after it has been movedhcyond theplatform and; before it enters, the compres sing section, of themachine. As shown in lig, 2 .p the extension plate 26 has a flat baseportion rigidly; mounted on the bars 25, andsan upwardly bent fiat. rearend 2'li which is spaced from the, rear. of. platform 22;. The extensionalso as a. central vertical. fin or support member; 23; which is securedalong its top edge to thebottomsurface. of platform. 22. The top; ed e.of .said. fin. 28; has a recessed portion, 2.6a. which, provides:clearance for the. f l ingoof the. cartonfiaps the carton leavestheplatform 22.;

Drive means. are provided, for moving a. ,car ton. along the lengthof-platform 22; said drive means comprising a. pairofisprocket chains.3|); 811M131: whichare. mounted. in. the machine ram on; opposite sides.of the platform. and. spaced. from said. platform. Each sprocket. chain:30... 3|. is. trained: over resp c iv sprockets 32.3.3. and 34. The pairof sprockets 32 are drive sprockets. and; areboth keyed to. a shaft:35,. the, ends of which ar j urnalled in; the sideframes..;|01and; I Thepairs of. spl ockets. 3.3-. and. .41araidlei: sprockets. h sprockets 34'bein rotatahly mounted on respective arms 36...which;a1:e fixed: tothe.rod, [8...

Theshaft 35. also carries a fixed. snllo ket 31,. the latter beingconnected. to a sprock t. 3. by a.- sprocket chain 38. Sprocket36; is.keyeditoi a. shaft .40. tov which. also, is keyed; a sprocket; 43. Theshaftv 46: is journalled. in. the side frames 16; and I l,andhasanendfllawhich. extends through. and projects later lly fromthe-side frame. H. as shown. in Fig. 4. This shaftend 40c has keyedthereto; a. Wheel 42,, for a purpose which, will be presently explained,

The. sprocket 4:3. is connected. by. a. sprocket. chain 4b to a sprocket45. which is driven bythe motor M1. The motor M1 may drive said.sprock-. et 45. through a conventional setof reduction gears housedwithin an integral gear-box.

The endless chains 30 and 3|-each-have respectlve planar, horizontal,topruns which are designated as 300 and- 3 la in Figs. 2 and-5. Thesetop runs- 30aand 31-11 are parallel to and substantiallyhorizontallyalinedwith the topsurface of platform 22. The chains 36* and 3| extendthrough respective cover plates 46 and-4l= which bracket the top runs30a and 3|a and thereby guide said top runs in a truly horizontaldirection, preventing sagging thereof. As shown in Fig. 5, the coverplates 46 and 41 are secured to the machine frame by posts 5|. Thesprockets 33 are rotatably mounted on the front ends of the cover plates46 and 41.

The sprocket chains 30 and 3| carry transverse'pusher bars 46 and 49which are secured at diametrically opposed points on said chains. Thebars 48 and 49 are attached to the inner side edges of each chain 30 and3| by flat extension brackets 50; which are inwardly disposed topermitthe bars 48 and 49 to clear the cover plates 46.and 4] asthesprocket chains 30 and 3| are driven.

The, drive sprockets 32 are rotated in such a direction that thesprocket chain top runs 30a and am move in a rearward direction, thepusher bars 48 and 49 being carried along the top surface of platform22; Since. the sprocket chains move in. unison-,. the bars 48 and;4.32am alwaysv maintained substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of: platform 22:; Asone of the pusher bars Mi or 49.traverses theplaliform 22, it thus contacts a carton, Cflresting; onthe: forward end of saidplatform and pushes; the; carton along thelength of the platform and off; therear end 22a. of said platform.

A pair'of. guide rails. 55,, in the; form; ofangle irons, are located oneither side-ofplatformfl; and extend along the length. of the latter;and itsextension 26 for guiding the cartons as they are pushedrearwardly on said platform. As shown in Fig- 4, each guiderail, has. apair; of: spaced elongated slots Hand 59. which are axially alined, withsaid rail. 55.. The. guide rails55. areieachr coupled to. apair ofspaced; slide arms 6| and-62 by; means of upstanding pins which are;mounted onv said slide arms. and; which extend; through the respectiveslots; 58, and 59,, The slide,- arms. 6|; and 62: are turnably connectedto the respective side frames l0. and; II by pivot pins- 63.v

Thepairsof slide arms 6|, and 62 on eacl side of-the machine. areconnected by longitudinallyextending bars 64, each of said bars,fiabcinz Divotallyconnected to aslide arm 6| and a slide arm. 62.. The,forwardendof each bar; 64 is coupled .to, a respective terminalextension arm 65. which is in turnpivotally connectedto a.-,re--snectivecrank .66; Eachcr nk; as a ub 66 whichis-keyedtoatransverseshaft 61 journalled in theside frames, I0. and H. As shownin Fig.v 4, oneend a of sha t. .6 tends. hro sh's do frame, l0. and proects. exteriorly thereof. end 610. bears a handle 68 which. is locatedto be pivoted manually for turning of the shaft 61.

W en. thesheft Si is tu ned. hev pair. f cr k 66 turn in unison. and,move the bars 64 .l'ongltudinally, caus ng the pairs of slide arms6| and62 to pivot, which in turn moves the guide rails 55 in oppositedirections transversely ofthemachine. Since the above-described parts onboth sides of the machine are identical in sizeand construction,rotational movement of shaft- 61- causes bothrails- 55- to movesimultaneously th-rough the samedistance. The rails 55' are-- originallyset equidistant from the central longi tudinal axis of platform- 22, andit maybe noted that this-equidistant relationship will be pro-- servedatall times when said rails are moved transversely. Thus, the rails 55maybe manually adjusted to-abu-tthe sides of-a cartonplaced-uponplatform 22 and said rails will hold and-guidethe carton inaperfectlycentered position on the which is mounted on bolt I0 betweenframe I0v and handle68, thereby locking handle 93 in lected adjustedposition.

Each rail 55 supports an assembly for applying glue to the flaps of acarton automatically as the carton is pushed rearwardlyalong platform22. These glue-applying asse'mblie'sare located on opposite sides of themachine frame and are movable transversely with their correspondingguide rails 55. shaped bar member 80 which may have a top terminalreinforcing plate SI. The plates BI arese cured to the undersides of therespective guide rails 55. An elongated vertical bracket 82 is rigidlysecured to each U-shaped member 00, as clearly shown in Fig. 6, saidbracket having top and bottom lateral flanges 89 and 84 in which a'vertical shaft 85 is journalled.

As shown in Fig. 5, the lower arm of each U- shaped member 83 extendsslidably through a reinforced slot I8 inthe adjacent side frame I0, I I.The upper arm of each U-shaped member'00 rests slidably upon a block I9which is aflixed to the upper flange of the adjacent side frame.

Each rail 55 carries a-fixed upstanding post- 8'! to the upper end ofwhich is secured a gluing unit 86. These units 85 are located directlyabove their respective guide rails 55 and in a position to apply glue tothe upper side flaps of a carton C, as the carton is guided along theplatform 22. Identical gluin units 95 are rigidly secured to the lowerinner ends of the U-shaped members 80. Theunits 95 are vertically alinedwith'the units'80 and are positioned to apply glue to the lower sideflaps of the carton C. j

fEa'ch upstanding post -07 is reinforced by a cross-bar'88 which issecured to the elongated vertical bracket 82. m

Each unit 85 is intermittently operated in a manner to be presentlydescribed by an operating lever 89 which has at its free end anelongated slot 90; Through said slot 90 extends a pin 92 whichis mountedon the end of an arm 9I which is keyed to the top of shaft 85.

- The pins 92 are elongated to allow for vertical adjustment of theunits 80. Conventional adjustment mechanism may be provided for thispurpose, this mechanism being notshown for convenience of illustration.

An arm 93 is also keyed to the bottom end of each-vertical'shaft 85. Theend of each arm 93 is pivotally connected to an operating lever 94 of'each lower gluing'unit 95. The units 95 are inverted relative to theunits 86.

In Figs. 7-10 one of the upper gluing units 80 is shown in detail andwill now be described, it being apparent that this description will alsoapply to the lower gluing units 95 which have a structure identical withthat of the units 80.

As shown in Figs. '7 and 10, the unit 86 has a body portion in the formof a generally rectangularblock 98 having a rectangular recess 97 at oneend. The recess 91 is so disposed as to present an L-shapedcross-sectional configuration to the block 96 and thereby to define aleg 96a and a Each assembly includes a U shorter perpendicular leg 961).A slot 98 extends through the shorter leg 96b and is alined with theforward wall of leg 96a which borders the recess 91. The slot 98 extendsfrom the bottom edge of leg 9% to a point spaced from the top of saidleg 96?). Attached within the slot 98 are the ends of a pair of guideplates 99 and 100 whose free outer ends are flaredaway from each otherin order to engage and guide an open carton flap, even though the flapmay be bent or inclined. Guide plate I00 may have an integral planarex.- tension I00awhich issecured to the forward wall of leg 99awhichborders the recess 91, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, providinga flatsurface against which a carton flap can ride. A

The forward wall of the leg 98a, bordering the recess 91, has a flatlateral flange IOI at its upper end, as shown in Fig. 9.

The unit 00 also comprises an outer applicator tube I02 which houses acylindrical inner appli cator tube I03, the latter being hollow andhaving a bottom open end which abuts the bottom inner surface of theouter applicator tube I022.-

The inner applicator tube I03 has an upper threaded neck I04 which isadapted to be attached to the end of a flexible feed pipe I05 by a locknut I06. Glue or a similar liquid adhesive is fed through the neck I09into the hollow body of inner applicator tube I 03 by the pipe I05. Theinner applicator tube I09 has apluraiity of small, spaced holes orperforations I0! arranged in a longitudinal row adjacent the lower endthereof A pin I08 extends laterally from the tube I03 adjacent the upperend thereof, said pin I08 having a threaded end which is secured to acorrespond ingly threaded opening in the wall of tube I03.

The outer applicator tube I02 is also cylindrical having an open top endand a closed bottom end. An elongated transverse slot I09 is locatedadjacent the top end of tube I02. A portion of the lower outercircumferential surface of tube I02 is flattened to provide a planarsurface I III. This planar surface I I0 contains a longitudinal rowofholes or perforations III which are spaced the same distance from eachother as tions I07 in-the-inner tube I03.

A collar I I 2 loosely encompasses the upper end of outer tube I02, saidcollar having a circular hole or opening I I3 adjacent its upper end.The collar H2 is integral with the end of operating lever 89.

A block I I 4 is provided to mount the outer tube I02 rigidly on theblock 96. One end surface of said block I I4 has an arcuate recessedportion the perfora- I I la shaped to embrace the outer tube I02. The

block I I4 also has respective bolt holes located on either side of therecessed portion I Ma, said bolt holes receiving respective bolts I I 5and I I6 whose threaded ends are sized to fit within threaded holes inthe flange IOI of block 96.

In assembling the unit 93, the pin I08 is removed from the inner tubeI03 and said inner tube'I03 is inserted within the outer tube I02,withthe bottom edge of inner tube I03 resting upon the closed bottom endof outer tube I 02. In this position, the perforations I0'I are alinedwith the perforations III, and the slot I 09 is alined with the threadedhole in inner tube I03 which receives pin I08. The outer tube I 02 isthen placed within the collar II2 with the hole M3 of said collar inregistry with the slot I09 of outer tube I02. The pin I08 is theninserted through the alined hole H3 and slot I09, and is secured to theinner tube I03, said pin thus looking toather the inner:- tube I 03;uter. tuber I 2;; and;

collar I I2.

perfo atio s to rought. into. andr ut. ft

registry L with the. alined perforations. v I I;I

The; outer tube I Q2; is held; rigiglly; imposition y nsertinesthe b ok: I I4.=-inmlaoe andi ighr the bolts I I5 and. -I I6; wherebythe;recessed p0l.-. tion;v I I la of b1ook;.-,I IA -embraoesthe outerwall: Lt be DA nd; c amps-ti h t b ;v 12. ight y; a nst th flange l ofwhlot s;5.;- The planar urfaee; I10; of. outerube ILZ saheldz para lel t am feqa t e flatplanarlexten ion 00. o late. I00, defining a passageway I I 'Ithrough which a art ndflap an ,t evelfor luin Th s e st siewan. I I1;is, ,alined With-theslot of block 96.;

While-vthe head of, bolt. ll; 5 i may contain the usual; sl t'for t e.ece t on; a; s ewdriver r im r o l; it is re errecl t w e td e. h artoften I I6. w a fin e -a mor a I My m ans. or -which said bolt may bemanually loose ed ar q; g t n d for e cal. d us ment t. he outer tubeI02.

Referring nowto. Fig. 1, it may bevsee that the flexible feed pipesI05;wh ich are attached to therespecti-venecks I 04;of each pair of flapprop: s imeiunits. B6 and .5. 1 ommt a ew a. ho low tr bu ha m m e 9-whit r is t: achecl to the. s i o 1 a, eser oirn e reservoir I2I isfilled with glue or other liquid dhes e a d mtunte an ppr ab edis asteve hel epnnmc ssi e its 86 n at. h lue s ravita a t nn r ubes. ll-tr stt1 W en; he er o atiens 'llmt t of aid; nits st m e is m, l e wil fl hrosh. a p rf rat and ontact wi h t e: f ees o r ns. o n ough the assagew th reservoir pi ot w es. a y I which; is ont l d b hand e 23 0 t at tha9w t lue i-nto them d. pipe I0 ma -be ou fi: when desired forcleaningrepair, etc,

AS shown in s. tend; firthet neofa r ets-:- ve crank.- m is keyed o.eaqh, e ca haf 8. E c c -1 I is areue e and: s mot -1r e nected at tsthe end-to.- terminal: bl ts 1.285 te teet ve Q QEFQ m me 12.5-v Theother end of each connecting rod I25 also carriesa rigig; t rm na b eakt lt;

A ver.- zt s piy a l t nneotedth ihloth L21 of n of het nheet n ;rods,-5; he en Qt.- s id lever "i ein ke ed to, ash-ar B1 As. sh wt n Pie-sthe hett. tlt teeds t ='e s e e y'th ueh t eetersenin e he ide. ames tan When haft 29, t ttned, the tee: n r -s rod- IB s met d qe itut inell-f The block I21; oftheotherconnecting rod {-25 is pivotally attachedtothe end ofa bell-prank lever: he att tem -k ye tt Q tette the end ofshaft '1 29, s shown n. Ri 3. A fol; lower Wheel I,3.I. ismourrteql onthe freeepct-oi, be -trel is ever 130*,- A pring. w ich is Q e t a d ber' tank erer [3 one. tear am I33 dl m unt d n ie met ine. heme. t ees.saidbell-cranklever I30. to the position ill Fig 3 in which the'followerwheel I31" abuts the p'eriphery of the wheel 42- whi'ch is lgeyedtoth'eer'rd of shaft 40.

A cam plate I34-is secured to theedgeof wheel- 42 and extendslbeyond.the periphery ofa saixl Wheel 42.. Whenthe wheel .42 is rotated, thiscamp ate 31=00mes m lcontact'with follower wh el 8;- Bitter-1d reises i-wheel 31:- as-r hqwn btekeet line in Fig. 3, causing the bell e'ranl;lever IQQ, mh haft; .20; to. urn! wlz th. a u motes h onnecting-toes 25:orw r y n: ll nsitutl nelr dir tio causi eeehp etat ne e er o We itsirrtegralloollarjljz, Thus eachinner tube, In siturned un i ts p rfor ts 0 t a n, es st" iththe erf etions- I I f he ott be t All; ratllfi. flaroc sin n ts fi nd 5, a;

therefore. si u1taneouslybrought into. operatiye; pos t ort; t e am pla3A B s t; he ollower wheel-W, h rite '32- br n s-5 t follower wheel I3Iback into oor taotwith thep ahere sufiee tt heer 2; hat tq in z b l e th ater ime he PPQs Q- iIQQt Q hmh; mmes ia m mes t e fiae 'etq s insnitsfi -ancl, to their inoperative. position in, whioh hesn r at on 1; dre o t o reeist -r Itisappat n t et he width o thtt mf i t e rminest e hime v WhitM-hen t 8 an s re maint e n eite tt t P-QSi l QP T e, em. Plat1 13 m nt nthr n u l QQPQ TfifiQ ith h sve epn ars .8 Wi iich .1 6 h-lip, belts wand BI, so that the units 86, and 95am opened; only duringthe time, that the fiaps ofa. cartonare; passing said; units. The lengthof the carton flap therefore determines the wid t h, of the. m plat 34his; ea on th m Pl t nre e thlr r l etuted h l fl sb ws 3 so hatitme.bete a d 9! t ee's': ofvariedsiz es.

It may also be noted that; if; itisl tendedto: apply glue only totthefront, and rear-ends of-the artonea b t; e e f h ester o a is me mes sitt he hlT TQ t mpla e maxbe replaceolby a pair ohnarrower oam platessuit ablylocated for this purpose.

The threaded upperend- Idjqo of a, vertical cy llndrical shait l-llextendsthrough anppenin'g in the center'of; the transverse bar I6 whichQQI}: neots the; central;verticalsuppprt members IA of, themachine-frame, In.- a sirnilarr manner; the hr ad d pper nt Qf: a he t Hends through an openingln the center o1 transverse har; I5 which;eohaects the.reamgertlgalsupport s t- At shqwninfi test; shaft 1: and?MI is supported by a respective sleeve, IIIZ raIid e h id etr s e ti arneeti sprocket MA; aridldi, The sleeyes I41?r mam 8416; .zfifid fihl s-es nu s-Q he fi z n s s aits I enetM-J- These e ts W; he 1 4 :1rewnnttt e b ed me h w t we belt I48. The sleeve I43-hasaham gripIAlbY;memos? oat Vwhioh said sleey -IAS-Jmayi be rotated an al y a T h ai fi ten e t hr sets? re mtsv e bet 4, nd I h c 'b ids'tthe side frames I0 andII. These ttahsversejbars. 48 an at e 5PM! and r suppo e b t atest noheads. he I 1: he att r I the I t t. iqes te te thenhe rs 5 a i; 53;, wich a e; o t d oa resi i es tit machine frame e cented; to e lowetwrites a 9 h. ansve e Pet 1& a di 8 d a L ea ei the reb s wn; i Eta Ltheq eiti a eel, a el rs 52. 1 9 1 er uide w e s (5.4: a d L55 on th r utera es sa d; suite Whee fit and I55 TQQWl5l bu tin e tastin ett ta i easest' he rr ehts t n :4 uidew se A; amt I 5, m inta n he l e ltueal-thenxle a ets II: nd 3 i a horizon alp s ara lel; tq heplatf r-m 2 Aa ttaestsl e ba tits se u ed wes the to s: o he enamel bars 2: and; 5 itwatdlx:

'rection relative to the bracket I 6 I.

9 of'the transverse bar I48. At the center of the bar I58 is mounted apair of upstanding posts I 59 Which support a platform'lliil. The gluereservoir I2I rests upon said platform I60.

The closed end of a bracket It! is mounted on the cylindrical shaft I49,said bracket I6I extending in a longitudinal direction toward theforward end of the machine and having flat, spaced parallel side armsbetween which a flat flap-folding arm I62 is slidably mounted. As shownin Fig. 2. the bracket I61 rests upon the two transverse bars I48 andI58. The flap-folding arm I62 has a slot I63 which is adjacent andparallel to its top longitudinal edge. A pair of bolts I64 which extendthrough the arms of bracket I6I, also extend through the slot I 63, sothatthe flap-folding arm I62 may be slid in a longitudinal horizontaldi- An end-stop I65 located at the rear end of the slot I63 limits theforward movement of the arm I62 to an extended position in which itsfront edge is sul stantially vertically-aimed with the front edge of theplatform 22.

As shown in Fig. 2, the flap-folding arm I62 has a bottom longitudinaledge which is parallel to the top surface of platform 22, and which hasa forward recessed portion I66. The arm I62 also has an operating handleI61 for manually sliding said arm I62.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 5, a pair of inclined folding rods I68 and I69are respectively secured at one end to opposed points on the respectiveside frames I9 and II. The rods I68 and I69 are inclined upwardly andinwardly, the free ends thereof converging between the rear end 22a ofplatform 22 and the rear end 21 of platform extension 26. A similar pairof folding rods I18 and Ill are mounted above the rods I68 and I69, theends of said rods I19 and HI being respectively secured to thelongitudinal channel bars by a pair of depending posts I13, said plateI12 being located centrally in the machine frame directly to the rear ofthe converging ends of rods I19 and I15. I12 has a forward, upwardlybent portion I120;

which contains a central slot I 14 in order to provide clearance for therearward sliding of the flap-folding arm I62.

A lever I15 is pivoted to the machine frame ad- -J'acent the forward endof platform 22. This lever I15 is connected by a rod I16 to theoperating arm I11 of a switch SW1, as shown in Figs. 1, 3, 4, and 16.The switch SW1 operatively controls the motor M1 in such a manner thatwhen the lever I15 is pivoted toward the forward end of the machine, themotor M1 is actuated. As shown in Fig. 4, the switch SW1 is locatedadjacent the side frame, 16 with its operating arm I11 located proximateto the top run 99a of chain belt 39, and in a position to be engaged andpivoted rear- Wardly by one of the pusher bars 48 or 49, thusale-actuating the motor M1.

As shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 5, a pair of channels I18 and I89 aremounted inwardly of the respective longitudinal channel bars I 52 and I53 by connecting posts I89. The channels I18 extend As shown in Figs. 2and 5, plate longitudinally along the entire rear half of the machine,and have mounted therebetween a row of closely-spaced idler rollers I8I.

As shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3. the side frames I9 and II respectivelycarry similar channels I82 and I83, between which are mounted rollersI84. The rollers I84 are also closely spaced. An endless belt I85 istrained over the top surfaces of the rollers I84, said belt I65 beingdriven by a drive roller I86 and tensioned by an idler roller I81. Thedrive roller I86 is mounted adjacent the rear ends of channels I82 andIE9, and is rotated by a chain belt I88 connected to a sprocket wheelI89 of a motor M2 which is mounted on the transverse channel member 28:of the machine frame.

The idler roller I81 is mounted on a shaft I90 which is supported by anupright rod I 9I as shown in Fig. 3. The rod I9I has a threaded lowerend which fits through a hole in the bottom flange of side frame II).This hole is. bracketed by a pair of nuts I 92 through which thethreaded end of rod I9! also extends. The rod I9I may be turned relativeto the nuts I92 to raise or lower said rod I9I and thus vary the tensionof idler roller I81 upon the belt I85.

The rows of rollers I8! and I84 are of substantially equal length andare alined with each other. The top surfaces of the rollers I94 are onthe same horizontal level as the top surface of platform 22, as is alsothe top horizontal run of the endless belt I85 which traverses theserollers I94.

Each roller I94 and I 85 is so closely spaced from the adjacent rollersin its row that a substantial area at the top and bottom of a carton C,which is moved between the row of rollers, is: always in contact withthe rollers. Each roller I84 and I85 is preferably spaced one to twoinches or even less from the the next adjacent rollers in its The rearends of the channels I18 and I19 and I82, I83 which carry the respectiverollers I8! and I84, project rearwardly beyond the end of the machineframe and are open at this projecting end to define a discharge openingI 93 for the car' tons after they are processed.

Actuation of the motor M2 is controlled by a switch SW2 which has amounting bracket I94. The bracket I94 is mounted on the cylindricalshaft I49 above the fiat transverse bar I48 as shown in Fig. 3. Theswitch SW2 has an operat ing lever I95 which is operatively coupled by aconnecting rod I96 to the end of a trip lever I91. The trip lever I91 ispivoted adjacent its center to an extension of the transverse flat barI58 which bridges the longitudinal channel bars I52 and I53. A springI99 normally maintains the trip lever I91 in its inoperative position ofFigs. 3 and 18, in which the switch SW2 is in its off position and themotorMz is not operated.

The free end I91a of trip lever I91 is located. forwardly of the row ofrollers I8I and on a level slightly below the bottom surfaces of therollers 28!. This free end I91a is thus in a position to be engaged by acarton passing from the platform 22 to the rollers I8! and I84, causingthe trip lever I91 to pivot to its operative position of Fig. 17 inwhich it brings the switch SW2 to its on position and causes the motorM2 to be actuated. After the carton has cleared the trip lever I91, thespring I99 returns said triplever to its inoperative position.

The drawings are substantially to scale and reference is made theretofor further disclosure.

:outer applicator tube I02.

. Operation The machine requires the proyision of fa'n operator formanually performing the initial op- .erati onalsteps. The operator,standing at the tically downward below the platform 22, and the topsideflaps S and top end flaps T are extend- 'ingvertically upwardv Theoperator may then fill the carton C with boxes, bottles, jars, or thelike through theopen top end of said carton.

At any convenient time before or after the loading of the first cartonC, themachinernay be adjusted to conform to the dimensions of thecartons. For this purpose, the handle 68 is pivoted until the guiderails abut the sides of the carton C, and the handle 68 is thenlocked inthis adjusted position by the wing nut "II. The iongitud'inal channelbars I52 and I 53 are then adus'te'd vertically by turning the hand gripI4! of the sleeve I43 until the vertical distance between the rows ofrollers I58! and I84 conforms'to the height of the cartonC. 4

It is "to be noted that during this "vertical adjustmen't when thechannel bars I52 and I53 are raised or lowered, they carry with them the'flap-foldir'ig'arm I62, upperfgluing units '85, upper folding rods HI!and Ill, plate I12, and the'trip lever 'I9'I of sWitchSWg, bringing thelatter'rnenibers automatically to their proper positions for processingthecartqn C. y I

After th'e'carton C has been suitably loaded or tilled, the operatorgrasps the operating handle I61 of the flap-folding arm 1'62 and slidessaid arm I 52 to its furthest inw rd position, asshown in-Figs. 2 and12. This action causes the recessed portion I66 of said arm I62 to folddown andhold the 110p end fiapsTof carton C. The pperator then pulls thelever I15 at the front of the n achine, and the remainingprbce's'sing'stepsof the carton are then automatically performed.

Actuation of -the lever I I pivots the operating arm I 1'! of switch SW1to its-onpositi on, closing said switchand actuating'themotor we. As-the motor Mi is ioperated, the 'cha'inbelts 30 and 3| arerotated in thedirection of the arrows in'Eig. 16, causingone'of the p'u'sherbars 48 totraverse the top's'urface 0; platform 22. Thepuslierbar 48 engages thecarton C on "platform 22 and flushes Ysa'id mm i efr m w the rearQ-Dlatfor'm.

In the'courseof its travel along platform 2 2,

the carton'Cencounters the gluing units 86 and 95, the upper side flapss'or saidcarton -C being :guided by the guide plates 59 and Illi'l ofthe upper gluing units '86 through the passageways Ill oi said unitsI35. Similarly, the lower side flaps :13 of carton C are guided throughthe-respective passageways II! of the lower gluing units 95.

As the carton side flaps enter the passageways I I], the cam plate IBlof the rotating wheel 42 is turned into contact with the followerwheel I3I of bell-cram; lever I3El, pivoting said bellcrank lever andtherebytnoving the connecting rods I25 longitudinally. This movement ofthe connecting rods I25 simultaneously turns the inner applicator tubesH3301 all of the gluing units-86 and 95 until the row of perforationsH]? of each inner applicator tube Hi3 is in registry with the row ofperforations H l of therespective As the upper and slower side rfiapsSandB of the -carton CareJca-rri'edthrough the passageways H I of therespective gluing :units ,86 and :95, spaced lines of glue are appliedalong the entire inner surface 10f said flaps, as shown in'Fig. 13.

As soon as the carton flaps-S and-i3 move out of contact with the gluingunits *BB a-nd Si the cam plate I34 is turned outvof contact withthebell-crank lever I130, enabling the spring 132 to urge said bell-cranklever ;I30-to;its inoperative position in which the follower wheel I31abuts the periphery of wheel 42', and the gluingunits 8-6 and Shareclosed.

,The carton C is then carried along platform 22 b pusher bar .58 untilit reaches-the tapered ,rear-end-;Z2a of said platiorm. In thispositiqn, t e psi t nrfla s S ar eng byth upper folding rods I18 and HIandare folded downwardly, as shown in Fig. ;1 l, whilesimulta eo l the ptq s efiap B wei 1 .1?- we d by he wer ol n ro s 1.6 d 16. e t pere edgli 1 f r i m 22 iproyides clearance to enable the bottom side flapsBfllo begin ;to be folded upwardly as the carton C leaves the platform22.

also 'ma-intains the bottom side flaps B closed.

Similarly, the top side flaps S of the cartonjC are maintained closed bythe plate I12. .As the carton C .is pushed off the platform .22, thefront of said carton engages the vfreefend IQIuf trip lever 1 91, andpivots said trip lever to close therswitch SW2. The motor M2 is therebyactuated, rotating the/endless belt I which carries the ,carton C'between the rows of rollers ISI and 1.84. At the same time, the pusherrod A 8 comes :in contact vi'v iththe operating 'atm :I'II of switchswi,pivoting said operating arm 'LI'I rearwardly and opening switch SW1. Themotor M1 is thus de-actua'ted.

When the carton C;- has been moved entirely between the rows of rollersL8! and I84, as shown in Figs. 3 and 18, itclears the trip lever 19.1,.perimitting the spring I99 ,to pivot said trip lever 1.5.1 and openswitch SW2. The motor is thereby de-actuated and the endless belt I '8'5ceases its movement. At this stage, neither rnotor M1 .or M2 isoperating, and the machine z -mo iq e The [operator maythen placeanother empty cartonon platform 22, fill this carton, and perform :thesame initial operational steps, finally switch SW2, the first carton isadvanced between the rows of rollers I8I and IN, until the :secondcarton clears the trip lever I91 of switch SW2, at which time bothcartons are located between the rows 0f rollers IBI and I84, and remainin this position until a third carton closes the switch-SW2.

Thus each carton is brought between the rows of rollers [BI and I84 andis not advanced therein until a succeeding carton is loaded ands'ent'along the platform 22. As each carton is brought between therollers IBI and I84, the preceding cartons are moved along only througha distance approximately equal to thelength of a carton. The cartons aretherefore retained between the rows of rollers IBI and I84 for arelatively long operational time. The rollers HM and I84 are spacedvertically a sufficient distance to compress the cartons firmlytherebetween, so that 13 the top and bottom side flaps will seal tightlyand securely.

When each carton traverses the length of the rows of rollers 18! andI84, it is ejected from the discharge opening I93 on to a suitableplatform, chute, container, or the like.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown anddescribed herein, it is obvious that numerous omissions, changes, andadditions may be made without'departing from the spirit and scopethereof.

What is claimed is:

1. A machine for sealing cartons which have overlapping flaps, saidmachine comprising a reservoir for liquid adhesive, a plurality ofgravity-fed hollow applicator units communicating with said reservoirand each having a vertically-disposed row of spaced adhesive outletopenings, means for moving cartons in succession past said applicatorunits with some of the carton flaps open and vertically disposed, meansto guide some of the open and vertically disposed flaps of each cartonsimultaneously into a slidably abutting association with the respectivevertical rows of outlet openings of said applicator units as the cartonis moved past said limits, automatic means to operate each applicatorunit simultaneously when the carton flaps are in abutment with theoutlet openings thereof in order to apply adhesive to said flap throughsaid outlet openings in spaced parallel lines, and to close eachapplicator unit when the carton flaps have moved out of contact withsaid applicator units, means to fold said carton flaps after theapplication of adhesive thereto, and compression means to compress saidflaps after the folding thereof. 1

, 2. A machine for sealing cartons which have top and bottom closureflaps, said machine comprising a frame having a front loading openingand a rear discharge opening, a loading platform within said frameextending longitudinally from said front loading opening toward saidrear discharge opening, said platform being of sufficient width tosupport a carton thereon with the top side flaps of the cartonupstanding and the bottom side flaps of the carton depending below saidplatform, means to push said carton along said platform to the rear endthereof with the side carton flaps extended vertically, a reservoir forliquid adhesive mounted above said platform, a plurality of gravity-fedapplicator units located below said reservoir, each applicator unitbeing hollow and having an inlet opening communicating with saidreservoir, a vertical row of spaced outlet openings and closure meansfor said outlet openings, said applicator units being located above andbelow said platform and each being posi tioned to slidably abut anextended side flap of said carton when said carton is moved along saidplatform past said units, automatic means to simultaneously open theapplicator unit closure means when said carton flaps are inabutment withsaid applicator units in order to apply adhesive through each row ofopenings to each re- 3. A'machine for sealing cartons which have top andbottom closure flaps, said machine comprising a frame having a frontloading opening and a rear discharge opening, a loading platform withinsaid frame extending longitudinally from said front loading openingtoward said rear discharge opening, said platform being ofsufiicientwidth to support a carton thereon with the top side flaps ofsaid carton upstanding and the bottom side flaps of the carton dependingbelow said platform, means to push said carton longitudinally along saidplatform to the rear end thereof, a pair of guide bars located onopposite sides of the platform and parallel thereto, said guide barsbeing spaced to abut the side walls of a carton and thereby to guidesaid carton along said platform, a reservoir for liquid adhesive mountedabove said platform, a plurality of gravity-fed applicator units locatedbelow said reservoir, each applicator unit being hollow and having aninlet opening communicating with said reservoir, a row of spaced outletopenings, and closure means for said outlet opening, said applicatorunits being located above and below said platform and each beingpositioned to slidably abut aside flap of said carton when said cartonis moved along said platform past said units, automaticmeans tosimultaneously open the applicator unit closure means when said cartonflaps are in abutment with said applicator units and to closeeach'closure means when said carton flaps have moved past saidapplicator units, means to fold said side carton flaps in overlappingrelation to the end flaps of the carton, said folding means being spacedrcarwardly of said platform, means to compress said folded flaps, saidcompression means being located rearwardly of said folding means andextending to the rear discharge opening of said frame, and independentdrive means to advance the cartons in succession through saidcompression means as each subsequent carton is moved to the rear end ofsaid platform.

4; A machine according to claim 3 in which a plurality of movable armsare pivotally mounted on opposite sides of the machine frame, said guidebars having elongated longitudinal slots, said arms having terminal pinswhich extend through said slots, said arms being of equal size andarranged to move said guide bars simultaneously and to the same degreetransversely relative to said platform when said arms are pivoted, saidguide bars being held by said arms equidistant from and parallel to saidplatform.

5. A machine for sealing cartons which have top and bottom closureflaps, said machine comprising a frame having a front loading openingand a rear discharge opening, a horizontal platform extending from thefront loading opening interiorly of said frame, a reservoir for liquidadhesive, a plurality of applicator units fed by said reservoir andarranged adjacent said platform in a position to apply adhesive to saidcarton flaps, folding means located adjacent said platform to fold saidcarton flaps after the application of adhesive thereto,-and a pair ofverticallyspaced upper and lower row of compression ro1lers locatedrearwardly of said platform and extending through the interior of themachine frame to said rear discharge opening, said rows of rollers beingspaced a sufiicient distance from each other to receive a cartontherebetween and to compress the folded flaps thereof, a pair of endlesschain belts mounted on opposite sides of said platform, said chain beltshaving respective topru'nswhichare alined with' thet'op surface of saidplatformpat least one transverse Ibarxjoining said-chain belts and beingpositioned toitraverse the top surface of saidplatformWhen said chainbelts are turned, "motor driven"means to turn said chain belts in unison"whereby to cause said bar to push'a cartonalong said-platform from thefront end to the rear'end thereof and past said applicatorunits andfolding m'e'ans'to said rows of compression rollers, m'otor driven-advancing-meansto-advancecartons'betw'eensaid rollers to saiddischarge"openinggsaidadvancing means being operable whenacarton ismoved-out of contact with the'platform and into contact with thecompression rollers, to cause the cartons 'be-' tween said rows ofrollers to advancea distance substantially-equal tothe length ofon'ecarton.

6; A machine according to claim 5 in which the advancing means iscontrolled by a switch, said switch having an operating lever located attheforward end of said rows of rollers in a position to'beoperatively'engagedby acartonmoving into contact with said rollers, saidoperating -lever when operatively engaged actuating saidadvancin'gmeans, said operating lever 'de'actuating. said advancing means whensaid carton has move'dbetween said rows of rollers and out of operativeengagement with said'operating 'lever.

7. A machine according'to claimfi in'which said motor-driven means toturn said chain belts is controlled by'a switch havinga pivotableoperating arm located at-the rear end of the top runs of said chains andpositioned to be engaged by said transverse bar and to be pivoted toinoperative position thereby,said operating armhav--- ing' manual meansfor pivoting it to operative position in which it actuates saidmotor-driven means.

8. A machine for sealing cartons with top and bottom closure flaps, saidmachine comprising a frame having a front loading'opening and a reardischargeopening, a'horizontaliplatform extending from the front loadingopening interio'rly of said frame,a reservoir for liquid-adhesive, aplurality of'applicator units gravity-fed bysaid resalinementwith eachother,'said inner tube being turnable in said outer tube to bring saidrows of perforations into'and out of registry with each other, theturning movement of each inner tube being controlled by a single leverpivotally mounted on the machine frame and having a free end which ridesupon the periphery of said wheel, said cam plate being positioned toturn into contact with and raise the free end of'said lever to bringsaid rows of perforations into registry, said cam platebeingpositioned-to raise the free end of said lever when the cartonflaps are in contact with their respective applicator units.

9. A machine for sealing cartons which have overlapping flaps, saidmachine comprising -a frame having a front loading opening and a reardischarge opening, a horizontal platform extending fromthe front loadingopening interiorly of said frame, said platform beingsized throughout316 its length to' support a-carton thereon with=the side flaps thereofextended and hav-ing aifront end/accessible from the front end-of saidma- -chine for manual filling ofsaid carton, means to push said cartonrearwardly along the 'length 'of said platform, an actuatingmember-"accessible from' the front of said machine'for setting saidpushing-means'in operation, means to apply-adhesive to theextended-flaps of said carton,:means :to fold saidflaps'aftertheapplic'ation of adhesive thereto, a pair vertically spaced rowsofcompression rollers extending from the "rear end-of said platform tosaidrear dischargeopening and 'po- -=sitioned--to receive the cartontherebetweemwhen =the=carton reaches'the end ofsai'd platform,-drivemeans for-said compression rollers, andautomatic means for deactuatingsaid. pushing means and "actuating said drive means when-the carton-isreceived by said rollers.

10. A machine according to claim-tin which saidrows of compressionrollers are long enough to receive therebetween a plurality-of---cartons, said compression roller drive means-being operable toadvance the'cartons between said rollers -by a'distance equal to thelength 'of onecarton when a carton is. pushed to the rear-end of saidplatform.

11.- A-machine according to claim 10-in "which said drive meansincluding switchmeansrareiposi- 'tionedto be actuated by contact withthe carton as it reaches the end of said platform.

12. A machine 'forsealing cartons which have 'topand-bottom closureflaps, said-machinecomprising a frame having a front loading openingand-a rear discharge opening, athorizontal platiormextending from thefront loading opening interiorly of said frame, said platform beingsizedI throughout its length to support va-cartonthereupon with its top sideflaps upstandingandits bottom side flaps depending andhavinga front endaccessible from the front end lofsaid machine -for manual filling ofsaid carton; a pusher bar located to traverse the top surf-ace ofasaidplatform to push the carton therealong, drive means for moving saidpusher bar from 'the front of said platform to the rearthereof,manuallyoperable control means at the front of-saidmachine foractuating said drive means, meansJfor applying adhesive to the extendedcarton. side flaps as the carton is pushed along-saidplatform, means tofold said extended fiaps'a'fter'ithe application of adhesive thereto, apair of rows of horizontally-spaced compression rollers extending fromthe rear end of saidplatformto-said rear discharge openingv andpositioned .to receive a carton therebetween when the carton reaches theend of said platform, drive means'for at least one row of compressionrollers, and automatic switch means for deactuating said pusher bardrive means and actuating said compression roller drive-means when thecarton is received by said rollers.

13. A machine for sealing cartons which have overlapping flaps, saidmachine comprising .a reservoir for liquid adhesive; a plurality o'fgravity-fed applicator units communicating with said reservoir, meansfor moving car-tons in succession past said applicator units with-someof their flaps open and vertically disposed, means to-guide some of theopen flaps of each cartoninto operative association with said applicatorv units, means to fold said carton flaps after the application ofadhesive thereto, and means to compress said flaps after the foldingthereof, each of said applicator units comprising an outer .memberhaving, a fiat applicator surface containing a longitudinal row ofspaced outlet openings, an inner tube'turnably contained in said outermemher and having a row of outlet apertures positioned to register withthe outlet apertures of said outer member, said inner tube having aninlet opening communicating with said adhesive reservoir, saidapplicator unit also including a mount having a planar guide surface,said applicator unit being fixed to said mountwith the outer memberapplicator surface facing said guide surface and being spaced therefroma sufficient distance to enable a carton flap to pass therethrough inslidable contact with both said surfaces, said mount also having guidemeans to receive said carton flap and guide it between said surfaces,said machine also having automatic means to bring said rows of outletopenings into registry when said carton flap is passing transverselythereby.

14. A machine for sealing cartons which have overlapping flaps, saidmachine comprising a reservoir for liquid adhesive, a plurality ofgravityfed applicator units communicating with said reservoir, means formoving cartons in succession past said applicator units with some oftheir flaps open and vertically disposed, means to guide the open flapsof each carton into operative association with said applicator units,means to fold said carton flaps after the application of adhesivethereto, and means to compress said flaps after the folding thereof,each of said applicator units comprising an outer member having a flatapplicator surface containing a row of spaced outlet openings, an innercylindrical tube turnably contained in said outer member and having arow of outlet apertures positioned to register with the outlet aperturesof said outer member, said inner tube also having an inlet openingcommunicating with said adhesive reservoir, said applicator unit alsoincluding a casing having a passageway, said outer member being mountedon said casing with its applicator surface in registry with one side ofsaid passageway, said passageway being sized to enable a carton flap topass therethrough and hold said carton flap in slidable contact withsaid applicator surface as said flap moves transversely past said row ofoutlet openings, said casing having a pair of outwardly-fiared platesleading to said passageway and positioned to receive said carton flapand guide it into said passageway, said machine also having automaticmeans to bring said rows of outlet openings into registry when saidcarton flap is passing thereby.

15. A machine according to claim 14 in which said outer member iscylindrical and contains a slot extending around a portion of itscircumference, said inner tube containing a pin which ex tends throughsaid slot, said applicator unit having a collar embracing said outermember and turnable thereon, said pin extending through a hole in saidcollar, said collar having an extension arm, said automatic means beingadapted to reciprocate said extension arm to reciprocally turn saidcollar and inner tube, the limits of the movement thereof being limitedby the travel of said pin Within the length of said slot.

16. A machine according to claim 15 in which said row of outletapertures are in registry when the pin is at one end of said slot.

17. A machine for sealin cartons which have overlapping flaps, saidmachine comprising a frame, a fixed platform extending longitudinallythrough said frame and sized to support a carton 1 8 with it's .top andvbottom side flaps open. and" extended, means to move saidcartonlongitudinally along said platform, means to apply adhesive to theextended'side flaps ofisaid carton, means to fold said carton flaps,means. to compress said folded carton-flaps, and meansito guidesaidmoving carton along said platform into successive operative associationwith said adhesive-applying means, folding meanaand' compression means,

said guide means comprising a pair of spaced guide bars located parallelto and on opposite sides of saidplatform and each having elongated slotstherein, a plurality of movable arms. pivotally mounted on oppositesides of the machine frame and having respective terminal pins whichextend through said slots, said arms being of equal size and arranged tomove said guide bars simultaneously and to the same degree transverselyrelative to said platform when said arms are pivoted, said guide barsbeing held by said arms equidistant from and parallel to said platform.

18. A machine according to claim 1'7 in which a manually-operable memberis mounted on said machine frame and connected to said movable arms forpivoting all of said arms in unison.

19. A machine for sealing cartons which have top and bottom closureflaps, said machine comprising a frame having a front loading openingand a rear discharge opening, a loading platform within said frameextending longitudinally from said front loading opening toward saidrear discharge opening, said platform being of sufficient Width tosupport a carton thereon with the top side flaps of said cartonupstanding and the bottom side flaps of the carton depending below saidplatform, means to push said carton longitudinally along said platformto the rear end thereof, a pair of guide bars located on opposite sidesof the platform and parallel thereto, said guide bars being spaced toabut the side walls of a carton and thereby to guide said carton alongsaid platform, a reservoir for liquid adhesive mounted above saidplatform, a plurality of gravity-fed applicator units located below saidreservoir, each applicator unit being hollow and having an inlet openingcommunicating with said reservoir, at least one outlet opening, andclosure means for said outlet opening, said applicator units beinglocated above and below said platform and each being positioned toslidably abut a side flap of said carton when said carton is moved alongsaid platform past said units, automatic means to simultaneously openthe applicator unit closure means when said carton flaps are in abutmentwith said applicator units and to close each closure means when saidcarton flaps have moved past said applicator units, means to fold saidside carton flaps in overlapping relation to the end flaps of thecarton, said folding means being spaced rearwardly of said platform,means to compress said folded flaps including a pair of rows oftransverse rollers arranged longitudinally of the machine and invertical alinernent with each other, said rollers being spacedvertically from each other, means to vertically adjust the top row ofrollers as a unit relative to the bottom row of rollers whereby to spacesaid rows of rollers a sufficient distance to compress a cartontherebetween, an endless belt trained over the lower row of rollers,motor-driven means for turning said belt, and switch means positioned tobe operatively engaged by a carton moving to the rear end of saidplatform, said switch means being operatively 19 connected to saidmotor-driven means and adapted to actuate said motor when said switchmeans is operatively engaged by said carton and to tie-actuate saidmotor when said carton has moved past said switch means, said endlessbelt when turned being adapted to advance all of the cartons containedbetween the rows of rollers, said switch means being locatedsufiiciently close to the forward end of said rows of rollers to enablesubstantially the entire length of a carton to be positioned between therows of rollers at the instant that the carton passes out of operativecontact with said switch means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS-Number Name Date Knapp Apr. 29, 1902 Martin Apr. 20, 1915 Johnson Apr.1'7, 1917 Feet Sept. 6, 1921 Shawver Oct. 31, 1922 Eckert Mar. 22, 1938Kimball July 13, 1943

